Phnom Penh – Education Minister Hang Chuon Naron announced that seven schools were damaged during five days of armed clashes along the Cambodia–Thailand border, with the Ministry of Education setting aside USD 500,000 for repair and restoration works.
The minister made the statement on Friday (Aug. 22) at a press conference, noting that the damages were the result of Thai artillery shelling and bombing.
Schools Affected
According to the minister, the following schools sustained damage:
- Techo Bosbou Primary School, Choam Khsant District, Preah Vihear Province – nearly 90% destroyed, with unexploded ordnance and shell fragments scattered on school grounds.
- Tamone Senchey Primary School, Oddar Meanchey Province – almost entirely destroyed.
- Say Monorom Primary School, Banteay Ampil District, Oddar Meanchey Province – one building with three classrooms damaged.
- Bos Thom Primary School, Banteay Ampil District, Oddar Meanchey Province – one building with three classrooms damaged.
- Kouk Prasat Primary School, Samraong City, Oddar Meanchey Province – one building with five classrooms slightly damaged.
- Chup Kukir Primary School – one building with five classrooms damaged, including roof tiles, electrical wiring, and other materials.
- O Pok Primary School, Samraong City, Oddar Meanchey Province – slightly damaged.
Repair Plans and Budget
The ministry has allocated USD 500,000 to restore the damaged schools, aiming to prepare them for reopening. However, Minister Hang Chuon Naron cautioned that reopening depends on safety clearance, as unexploded ordnance—including cluster munitions dropped by Thai forces—remains in some areas. The Cambodian Mine Action Center (CMAC) will be responsible for clearance operations before classes can resume.
Impact on the Academic Year
The minister confirmed that the new academic year is scheduled to begin on November 1, 2025. Nevertheless, schools located in the affected border regions may face delays in reopening until clearance operations are complete.
Solidarity with Soldiers
To honor the sacrifices of Cambodian soldiers defending national sovereignty during the clashes, the Ministry of Education will organize a joint school opening ceremony in Chongkal District, Oddar Meanchey Province. The minister emphasized that the event will demonstrate solidarity with the armed forces and the resilience of communities living along the border.
Also read, Cambodian Government Grants Scholarships to Over 700 Students Returning from Thailand
